The Future of Fashion: Modeclix’s 3D Printed Clothing

Modeclix is revolutionizing the clothing industry with their 3D printed clothing line. Learn how below!

Who was behind the idea of creating 3-D clothing?
Dr Shaun Borstrock and Professor Mark Bloomfield

What inspired the name of the 3-D clothing range “Modeclix”?
We wanted a fashion reference and when we were experimenting with the components that make up our textile the name just clicked!

Is there any downside to a 3-D printed garment with regards to comfortability?
We’ve attempted to make the garments as comfortable as possible within the constraints of the technology used and it does feel very different when compared to traditional textiles, but by focusing on the customisable nature of modeclix we make the fit and the styling work together to produce something that is interesting to wear. The models have been surprised at how comfortable the garments are.

The 3-D printed clothing range will be revealed at the Mercedes-Benz Bokeh South African International Fashion Film Festival, would this be the first time that these garments are revealed to the public?
Yes, this is the first official launch of the prototype collection, and the first time it will be seen as a collection.

How long is the process to create a 3-D printed garment?
It all depends on what we are making. There is a minimum print time of 24 hours but this can increase to anything up to 72 hours if we’re making 1000’s of components. We print panels of Modeclix components already linked together to save some time, once these are printed they have to be cleaned and finished and then the panels are assembled into a garment on a dress making stand. This is where traditional dressmaking and technology come together. Once the garment is designed we decide on colour and pattern. The garment is then taken apart, dyed and reassembled. This whole process, for a complex design can take up to a week but simple designs can be made in a few days.

Will 3-D printed clothing start to appear in fashion films in the near future? What do you think?
3D printing already appears in films as costume and or components that make up a costume. We are sure that as the process becomes more accessible and the technology continues to develop, more 3D printed fashion garments will appear in fashion films.

Are you excited to reveal the 3-D clothing range at the Mercedes-Benz Bokeh South African International Fashion Film Festival? After the big reveal, what is your next step with the Modeclix range?
We are very excited to show the collection at Mercedes-Benz Bokeh South African International Fashion Film Festival. We will be having an official launch of the collection at the electrobloom studio at the Oxo Tower in London at the end of May. We are continuing to develop new ways of working with the technology, innovating and pushing the boundaries of what can be done.